A dozen undocumented Washington State residents and supporters have locked themselves together just moments ago at the entrance of the Northwest Detention Center as part of the national campaign demanding that the President stop deportations and expand deferred action for all.

“The President can’t be a champion for immigration reform and the Deporter-in-Chief at the same time,” explains Milton Cornejo. “I’m tired of living in fear and wondering if I’ll see the rest of my family at the end of each day. Until the President stops deportations, we’re stopping them ourselves.”

The group cites the Secure Communities (S-Comm) deportation program, first activated in parts of Washington State in April of 2012, as an engine behind separating local families who could benefit from eventual reform. Since its activation, S-Comm deported more than 2,600 Washington State residents.

They say that the President has the legal authority and the moral obligation to stop their suffering by expanding the already existing deferred action program, especially as immigration reform meets challenges in Congress.

In explaining why she was participating in the action, Maru Mora Villalpando stated, “There is a human cost to the President’s refusal to use his authority on immigration. We’re doing everything in our power to stop deportations. Now it’s time for the President to do everything in his power to give us relief.”

Stina Jansson “Growing up in a border county on the Olympic Peninsula, the presence of ICE was felt in everyday life. I felt angry and useless in the face of the violence and separation of families around me. We cannot wait for Congress to pass a bill. 2 million is a number that represents immense suffering and harm. It’s time for President Obama to end the deportations.”

Samira Shirdel “As a daughter of immigrant parents who came to this country to escape violence I’ve always known that leaving ones’ homeland is a hard and often painful decision. Many families who have made similar decisions for their families’ safety have not had the privileges my family has had. I’m taking action to call for an end to the current racist and violent actions enforced by ICE. I’m standing in solidarity with the call to end all deportations!”

Murphy Stacks “We live in a society that is profiting from detention and deportation of people, breaking apart families. That’s just not right. We can create a just society if we are willing to fight for it.”

Milton Cornejo “I was motivated to take action after seeing others do the same across the country. I’m doing this to come out of the shadows, to lose fear and achieve something our community needs. Sometimes we have to make a sacrifice for the greater good.”

Joe Hiller “I am risking arrest today to help end the cruelty, indignity and pain of deportation. The enforcement of punitive immigration laws is a continuation of the colonialism and racism that have bloodied this country since its earliest days. It must stop! No borders, no prisons and may everyone have a safe and loving home in their chosen community.”

J Engels “My friend was recently deported to Mexico and I have witnessed the extremely hard time she has had navigating a country she hasn’t lived in since she was three years old. Deportation is immoral and needs to stop now. ICE needs to end their state sanctioned violence against families.”

Evan Martynovych “I am doing this because I live in Tacoma, WA and I don’t want to see the people in my community being torn away from their families or have their lives ruined. I believe we have to get involved to show the government that we care about what’s going on with immigration so they will do something about it.”

Evelyn Pasillas “I believe it is important to stand up for human rights. I am doing this because I cannot stand by and ignore the injustice in my community. We cannot afford to ignore human suffering for profit.”

Mary Mora Villalpando “I am doing this action to stop deportations and the separation of families, its time to end the fear and gain our dignity. I want my daughter to feel safe knowing her mom will not be deported and that her mom will be here to protect her. I want my daughter to be proud of her country and not ashamed of a government that divides families. I lost the fear and gained my dignity.”

Adam Roca “I am doing this to demand the end of the tearing apart of families. More than two million working mothers, fathers, cousins, aunts and uncles have been ripped from our community and millions more live in fear.”

NotOneMoreDeportation.com is a campaign made of individuals, organizations, artists, and allies to expose, confront, and overcome unjust immigration laws.

As the immigration debate continues, #Not1More enters the discussion from the place that touches people in concrete ways and can offer tangible relief. By collectively challenging unfair deportations and unjust policy through organizing, art, legislation, and action, we aim to reverse criminalization, build migrant power, and create immigration policies based on principles of inclusion.Read More »